Mt. St. Helens Revisited
May 18, 1980
Eruption
After the Mt. St.
Helens eruption in Washington State
Ash clouds were visible for miles.
Darkness surrounded the area.
Part of the mountain was no longer there.
The intensity of the blast was heard miles away.
Ash filled the sky, blocking the sun like a dark blanket.
The direction of the ash measured in inches on the ground.
Some areas receiving more than others,
depending on the motion of the wind.
A sight I will never forget, as I visited this bone-like forest.
An eerie stillness surrounded me as I stood there all by myself. Some of
the trees still standing motionless
without their leaves and branches.
Stillness surrounded me that was indescribable.
Part of this mystic mountain was no longer visible.
The powerful reflection of nature on the lake below,
as trees blown from the blast lay in the water and line the shore. After
the rainfall and in time, a rebirth begins to take place. Trees and
branches start reaching towards the sun. Sprouts of new life begin to
form. Bright green baby trees begin new growth on the charred timber.
Peace and quiet as the earth renews itself.
With sunlight there begins a new ray of hope.
Vibrant colors begin to emerge.
Birds and insects slowly find their way back home.
Small animals begin burrowing amongst the brush.
Nature’s scents begin to fill the air.
Life’s process begins all over again.
Nature is abundant once again and free.
Copyright 2001 by Author Patti Tricoli
